Roadside Assistance Risks and Scams – What You Should Know
Roadside assistance (RSA) in car insurance is an optional add-on cover that offers emergency
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What are Some Common RSA Scams?
Roadside assistance scams typically happen when fake RSA agents try to trick stranded drivers by taking advantage of their unfortunate situation. Some common RSA scams that every driver should be aware of are:
- Fake Agent Alerts: Scammers typically pose as legitimate roadside assistance agents, wear fake uniforms, and show forged IDs to gain the driver's trust.
- Overcharging Risks: They even charge you excessively high prices for basic services, taking advantage of your state of urgency & panic.
- Unnecessary Towing: In order to increase their commission, some fraud RSA agents may insist on towing your car even if it can be fixed on-site.
- Poor Quality Repairs: Since unskilled mechanics perform repairs, it poses a critical safety risk and could cause more damage to your vehicle.
- Unauthorised Vehicle Usage: In rare cases, your vehicle might be driven unnecessarily or mishandled, if not monitored.
What Details Do I Need to Provide to Call for RSA?
To avail of RSA in car insurance, call the RSA helpline number provided by your insurer. Give information about your car, policy number and the nature of the issue. For a quick help, give your precise location or GPS coordinates if necessary and ask for the expected time of arrival.
RSA from Insurers vs Local Vendors - Which is Better?
Insurers and local vendors offer roadside assistance (RSA) services to help stranded drivers. Drivers must compare the RSA services offered by local vendors and insurers to identify which provides better value and dependability.
What is insurer-provided RSA?
Insurer-provided RSA is an add-on in car insurance that offers help to stranded drivers in the event of a medical emergency or a vehicle breakdown. Services typically included in this add-on cover are towing, fuel delivery, battery jumpstart, and lockout services. But the expected time of arrival of the RSA agents may be delayed due to traffic, unavailability of service, and location of the incident.
What is vendor-provided RSA?
Vendor-provided RSA agents typically offer personalised services and negotiable service rates. A few vendors also form their own local network to enhance their service quality. However, as there is a lack of accountability, there is a higher chance of poor service, the possibility of overcharging, and misusing your vehicle without your authorisation.
How to Avoid RSA Scams?
If, in an unfortunate situation, you request RSA services under your car insurance, there are a few precautions you can take to avoid RSA scams. Have a look:
- Before accepting help, confirm the agent's identity and affiliation with your car insurance provider.
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of their service fees to avoid unanticipated costs.
- Note the details of your vehicle, record the conversation with the RSA agent and save the receipts for later.
- If something doesn't feel right, turn away the RSA service or look for assistance elsewhere.
- Refuse roadside assistance from unidentified vendors or strangers who approach you first.
- If you come across or suspect a scam, let your insurer or the local authorities know.
